Wheat procurement nears end at 3,33,468 MT

The wheat procurement process in the district is nearing completion, with a total of 333,468 metric tonne (MT) of wheat procured as of yesterday (Monday). Thanks to the efficient arrangements made by the district administration, the entire process has been carried out smoothly and without significant issues.

Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal praised the collaborative efforts of farmers, commission agents, laborers, officials from the Food and Civil Supplies Department, Mandi Board and procurement agencies for ensuring a seamless procurement season. “The wheat procurement season in the district has been entirely smooth and every grain of the farmers’ produce has been purchased,” Panchal said. He also expressed gratitude towards the farmers for adhering to the administration’s advice and bringing dried produce to the mandis.

As part of the procurement breakdown, the Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation (PUNSUP) led the process by purchasing 26% of the total wheat, which amounts to 88,199 MT. Other agencies followed closely behind: PUNGRAIN procured 25% (82,170 MT), MARKFED also procured 25% (84,634 MT) and the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation purchased 16% (52,855 MT). On the matter of payments, Panchal assured that the district administration has ensured quick and efficient payment transfers. “Farmers have been paid within 24 hours of their wheat being procured, and a total of Rs 748.84 crores has already been transferred to their accounts,” he confirmed.

The lifting of procured wheat has been faster this year, with over 70.48% of the wheat already lifted. Approximately 15,000 MT are being lifted daily, with a noticeable improvement in the speed compared to last year. In the Phagwara grain mandi, where wheat procurement in Minimum Support Price (MSP) has been high, SDM Jashanjeet Singh reported that 66,088 metric tons of wheat had arrived at the mandi. Out of this, 52,200 MT, which is 78.90%, had been lifted as of yesterday. In comparison, last year by May 5, only 50,980 metric tons had been lifted.

Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal also commended the role of all stakeholders, stating that the swift lifting and efficient procurement were key to ensuring that the wheat season progressed without hindrances.

Jalandhar